According to Dahdouh-Guebas et al., 1999; this Forceps Crab Epixanthus dentatus (White 1847) is an omnivorous crab but preys mostly on crabs and as well as climbing on mangroves roots (Cannicci et al., 1998).

A forceps crab can grow only up to the carapace size width of 8cm. It can be identified with scattered orange granules on its carapace that normally hides under driftwood, rocks or debris. Like a male fiddler crab, this forceps crab E.dentatus has an abnormal claw. Unlike the male fiddler crab, the forceps crab E.dentatus has one thin claw and the other is a thick crushing claw. See above picture.

The stout right claw has a special tooth used for opening gastropods or crustaceans. While the other thin claw is like a forceps tool (or like tiny chopsticks) extracting the flesh of its prey. Wow! No wonder E.dentatus is called Forceps Crab.

I can't recall having to encounter a live E.dentatus yet but I was fortunate to find its exoskeleton or carapace. This carapace was found on the mudflat at low tide while I was kayaking in the narrow tributaries of Tanjung Rhu mangroves. From the shape of the carapace, I believe that this E.dentatus must have gone through the molting process. Aha, it had became a soft-shell crab. I hope to see a live one with its claws ready to strike.

My Honorary Followers

My Facebook Page

Blogger Species ID

Dreamer

Some people did casually ask me if I am a biologist or a botanist. My answer to them was, "How I wish I am". I am just an ordinary person who enjoys our flora and fauna or simply just being in nature. Being a Jack of all Trades and Master of None, I enjoy learning from all nature experts, biologists and botanists. The realisation I have is that the more I learn and marvel the work of nature, the more I feel like a speck of dust in this world. Who are we to take away what belongs here? Why were we created and only to destroy what's left? I yet to have the answers and I can only simplify my thoughts to be like this:
Nature Is Awesome, Adventure is Wholesome and Homosapiens are Troublesome.
My blog posts on Langkawi nature and conservation issues. These are the main stuffs I scribbled and there are others which are not related to Langkawi.
This blog intends to connect with as many nature enthusiasts as possible. In hope that the greater formation of us will win against those who destruct our natural heritage.